Mutations of HBV a determinant cluster in pregnant women infected by HBV

  Objective   To explore mutation status in the Hepatitis B virus(HBV)S gene a determinant cluster of pregnant women infected by HBV in Taiyuan.

  Methods   Sera were collected from HBsAg positive pregnant women in Taiyuan infectious hospital between Nov, 2001 and Jul, 2004.HBsAg and HBeAg in sera were tested by ELISA; HBV DNA in sera were tested by nested-PCR.Viral nucleotide sequences in 41 samples were determined by PCR-directed nucleotide sequencing.HBVS gene mutations were analyzed through multiple sequence alignment with sequences of HBV prevalence strains from China in GENBANK.

  Results   6(14.63%)out of 41 sera of pregnant women were testified carrying HBVS gene a determinant cluster variant strains.Amino acid mutant points-aa126, 127, 131, and 143 were often reported.But the mutations in aa125, 135, 137 and 140 were scarce.A mino acid substitutions took place in most positions.

  Conclusion   Pregnant women infected by HBV in Taiyuan carried a determinant cluster variant strains.